Do you really need to go 102" ?

Depends on where you're running but I'd guess that it wouldn't be well received by a lot of shippers, especially those that like to place two pallets sideways rather than pinwheeling them.

Then again, it may not matter at all. Really depends on the shipper.

 

Yes a 96" trailer would hurt getting loads if your working a load board.
If you have a specific type customer maybe not.

 

102" has been the standard for well over a decade now, there are tons of cheap vans out there, literally 6-8 grand will get you a good trailer that will need a minimal amount of work.

Why at that price point settle for a 96" that will cut into your profits?

 

A driver I know bought a 53' 102" for 2 grand and has been using it for several years with no problems. He bought it at a farm equipment auction. Yes, get a 53/102. Make sure it's a swing door & not a rollup because some companies such as paper product companies won't load a rollup door because the loaded pallets are too tall and downstacking is not allowed.

 

being a flatbedder who hauls a lot of pallet loads. that extra 6 inches makes a BIG difference.

 

It is getting difficult to even find a 96" wide trailer. And comments above are right on about needing a 102" to get loaded. That is the standard.

 

A 96 will get you better mpg. I think a 12'6" x 96" x 48' spread axle would be the best. Unfortunately the mobile warehouse industry doesn't agree.

 

Almost every load I haul would fit in a trailer with those dimensions. But if you ask the broker they typically only know what their computer says which is often limited to the commodity, the weight and it needs a 53' trailer. So like everyone else already said...you need a 53/102 or you won't even get the load.

 

Just tell them you have a 53/102. You can even stencil those numbers inside the door on the plywood to trick any forklift drivers who might throw a wrench in your spokes for having the wrong size.